What Makes a Good Secret Shopper or Market Researcher?
More Inside Info from the President of Market Viewpoint
What does a typical secret shopping assignment involve?
Mystery shoppers are required to read all of the instructions they are given at the beginning of their assignments. They are also asked to review the form they will be completing so they know exactly what they should be looking and listening for as they conduct their shops. Being prepared is a critical component for being successful in this business. We find that our best shoppers always take the time to complete this step. We then ask the shoppers to fill out their evaluation forms which are usually found online with most mystery shopping companies, paying close attention to due dates. From time to time, secret shopping companies may need to ask the shopper additional questions about their experiences so we ask that the mystery shopper make themselves available to provide this information should it be necessary.
What kind of person would make a good secret shopper?
Market Viewpoint rates someone as a good shopper who has the following qualities:
- honesty and integrity
- excellent observational skills
- excellent writing skills
- excellent listening skills
- excellent follow up skills
We also seek out those who are deadline oriented, take the time to read through all of their instructions, can work independently, accept responsibility, and use common sense.
What advice do you have for someone who would like to become a secret shopper?
Mystery shopping is serious business. It is work that has responsibilities like any other work situation but it can be a very rewarding experiences for someone who enjoys working in a flexible, challenging, and unique environment. The reports that mystery shoppers produce are used to coach and counsel employees for poor behavior or reward employees for top performance. The reports submitted by our shoppers can have an impact on the profitability of a company or on someone’s career and it is for those reasons that we ask shoppers to take this process very seriously. In the end, the work they submit will make a difference.